The release of 28 Years Later is undoubtedly exciting, but another installment in Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s horror franchise could be even better. 28 Days Later left a big, jaw-shaped dent in the cinematic landscape when it arrived in 2002, contributing to a boom in zombie movies and TV shows over the next two decades. 28 Weeks Later followed, but the absence of Boyle and Garland, as well as the stark shift toward a more action-based tone, meant the sequel never quite filled the shoes of its esteemed predecessor.

28 Days Later and 28 Weeks Later both left room for future stories, so as many of the names involved went on to achieve huge Hollywood success, the hunger for more rage virus shenanigans grew. Unfortunately, Boyle and Garland found themselves struggling to turn 28 Months Later into a reality for a variety of reasons. Months became years, and audience patience has been rewarded with 2025’s 28 Years Later, with Boyle directing and Garland writing. Eagerly anticipated though 28 Years Later may be, what comes next is arguably more exciting still.

28 Years Later Is Exciting, But The Bone Temple Could Be Even Better

28 Years Later’s Future Is As Bright As Its World Is Bleak

Aside from the thrill of seeing a celebrated franchise return with its original director and writer, 28 Years Later has an awful lot working in its favor. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, and Ralph Fiennes lead a stacked cast, the rage virus’ evolution promises a whole different breed of infected, and 28 Years Later‘s imposing trailer attracted a hugely positive response from fans and critics alike. Nevertheless, the buzz surrounding 28 Years Later obscures the fact that the movie is essentially just the first part of a larger narrative, as a sequel is already lined up for 2026.

Very little has been revealed about 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple‘s story and premise, but early signs look even more promising than for this planned trilogy’s opening movie. 28 Years Later‘s trailer depicts a temple-like structure made of ᴀssorted skulls and bones, but carrying the subтιтle “The Bone Temple” suggests it will be the second movie that fully unpacks the meaning and purpose behind this morbid art project. There is a sense that 28 Years Later will set the pieces, but The Bone Temple, as the middle installment, is where the meat of the plot will take place, just like The Empire Strikes Back or The Dark Knight before it.

Ralph Fiennes himself adds further clues that hint toward The Bone Temple‘s importance. Discussing his 28 Years Later character, Dr. Kelson, Fiennes admits he will be “a much bigger part of the next [movie].” Fiennes is counted among the main cast of 28 Years Later, but appears to be acknowledging that The Bone Temple is where the fun begins properly.

That makes sense, as the first two 28 Years Later movies have filmed back-to-back, reinforcing the idea that part I will set up elements that only pay off or develop fully in The Bone Temple. Some movies go all-out from the start, then attempt to go bigger in the sequel, which is essentially what happened with 28 Weeks Later. By contrast, 28 Years Later will apparently hold some of its bigger cards back.

28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Looks More Likely To Continue Jim’s Story

Jim’s Demise Has Been Greatly Exaggerated

Plenty of intrigue and anticipation has been generated by 28 Years Later‘s new cast and story, but it goes without saying that seeing what happened to Cillian Murphy’s Jim after 28 Days Later was one of the major attractions of continuing this franchise in the first place. Murphy’s return has been confirmed, both onscreen and behind the camera as a producer. Alas, the Oscar-winning actor will not feature in 28 Years Later. Whatever role Jim has in the new trilogy will likely begin in The Bone Temple, therefore, as holding off until a third movie that won’t even happen if the first two films flop makes little sense.

The likelihood of Jim’s return, over 20 years in the making, immediately gives The Bone Temple an edge over 28 Years Later. It could be that 28 Years Later is designed primarily to introduce the new cast, then The Bone Temple will begin merging the new with the old, finally answering the questions over whether Jim’s happy ending lasted after 28 Days Later. Again, Murphy’s probable involvement ensures that The Bone Temple feels like the bigger, more significant chapter compared to 28 Years Later.

Danny Boyle Has An Encouraging Replacement For 28 Years Later Part II: The Bone Temple

Nia DaCosta Takes Over For 28 Years Later Part II

After 28 Weeks Later failed to attain the same level of acclaim as its predecessor, reuniting the duo of Danny Boyle and Alex Garland represented a huge victory for 28 Years Later, and the 2025 movie would be nowhere near as exciting without them involved. The fact that Danny Boyle will not be directing The Bone Temple could, therefore, be viewed as a drawback for the second movie in the trilogy.

Fortunately, The Bone Temple has hired a very worthy replacement in Nia DaCosta. Despite finding no joy with The Marvels, DaCosta’s 2021 interpretation of Candyman proved a critical and commercial success. Technically a sequel to the original 1990s movie, Candyman highlighted DaCosta’s ability to take an existing IP and honor it respectfully, while simultaneously continuing the story in a modern way that feels unique and compelling. If DaCosta can apply that same philosophy when following Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, losing the franchise’s original director will be far from the disadvantage it appears to be at first glance.